Celebration of American Tapestry Kicks off Fun Fridays

The Center for Multicultural Enrichment (Center4ME) held its first Fun Friday of the 2013 fall semester with an American Tapestry Celebration in Green Hall Friday, Aug. 23.

Red, white and blue illuminated every corner of the center. Students, visitors and faculty enjoyed free American food and drinks such as hot dogs and fruit punch.

Although decked out in Fourth of July décor, one common theme repeated itself throughout the celebration: the acknowledgement of different cultures.

According to Joy A. Jefferson, the associate director of the Center4ME, unlike each national heritage month, which celebrates a single culture, the American Tapestry Celebration encompasses several cultures represented in America.

“The American Tapestry Celebration involves African-American, Hispanic, Asian-American, Irish-American, and Indian-American cultures,” Jefferson said. “We actually have a heritage month for all of those cultures.”

According to its Web page, Center4ME aims to encourage students to appreciate and gain an understanding of other cultures and holds Fun Fridays every Friday from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. to accomplish that goal.

Junior Alexandra Morgan said she came to the celebration on a whim with her friends.

“It’s interesting to know where you come from,” Morgan said. “It can sometimes explain crazy family traditions that you have, (and) that can give you a little glimpse of how you got to where you are.”

The Center4Me will host several events in the following school year. Some of these include festivities associated with each heritage month. The celebration of Hispanic Heritage will begin on Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, followed by American Indian Heritage Month in November.

Students will also have an opportunity to attend the NASCAR race in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Sept. 7 to be submersed in a new culture. Registration for the event will soon be available in the Center4Me office. Tickets will cost $25.